Methods and systems for implementing dynamic properties on objects that support only static properties

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems of simulating dynamic properties on computer-implemented objects that do not support dynamic properties are described. In one embodiment, one or more first objects that do not support dynamic properties are provided. One or more second programmable objects are provided and are programmed to effect property value changes on the first objects. The programmable objects can be programmed using data structures that, in one embodiment, comprise an array of one or more sets of data structures. Each data structure set is associated with a property whose value is desired to be changed. The data structure set can define a new property value, a time at which the property value is to be changed, and how to effect the property value change. The programmable object(s) is pre-programmed with the data structures and knows when to call the first objects so that they can change their properties.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following commonly-filed U.S. PatentApplications, all of which are commonly assigned to Microsoft Corp., thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,774,919, entitled “An Interface and Related Methods forReducing Source Accesses in a Development System”, naming Daniel J.Miller and Eric H. Rudolph as inventors;

-   -   application Ser. No. 09/732,084, entitled “A System and Related        Interfaces Supporting the Processing of Media Content”, naming        Daniel J. Miller and Eric H. Rudolph as inventors;    -   application Ser. No. 09/731,490, entitled “A System and Related        Methods for Reducing Source Filter Invocation in a Development        Project”, naming Daniel J. Miller and Eric H. Rudolph as        inventors;    -   application Ser. No. 09/732,452, entitled “A System and Related        Methods for Reducing Memory Requirements of a Media Processing        System”, naming Daniel J. Miller and Eric H. Rudolph as        inventors;    -   application Ser. No. 09/731,529, entitled “A System and Related        Methods for Reducing the Instances of Source Files in a Filter        Graph”, naming Daniel J. Miller and Eric H. Rudolph as        inventors;    -   application Ser. No. 09/732,087, entitled “An Interface and        Related Methods for Dynamically Generating a Filter Graph in a        Development System”, naming Daniel J. Miller and Eric H. Rudolph        as inventors;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,215 entitled “A System and Related Methods        for Processing Audio Content in a Filter Graph”, naming        Daniel J. Miller and Eric H. Rudolph as inventors;    -   application Ser. No. 09/732,085, entitled “A System and Methods        for Generating an Managing Filter Strings in a Filter Graph”,        naming Daniel J. Miller and Eric H. Rudolph as The U.S. Pat. No.        6,768,499, entitled “Methods and Systems for Processing Media        Content”, naming Daniel J. Miller and Eric H. Rudolph as        inventor;    -   application Ser. No. 09/731,563, entitled “Systems for Managing        Multiple Inputs and Methods and Systems for Processing Media        Content”, naming Daniel J. Miller and Eric H. Rudolph as        inventors;    -   application Ser. No. 09/732,089, entitled “Methods and Systems        for Efficiently Processing Compressed and Uncompressed Media        Content”, naming Daniel J. Miller and Eric H. Rudolph as        inventors;    -   application Ser. No. 09/731,581, entitled “Methods and Systems        for Effecting Video Transitions Represented By Bitmaps”, naming        Daniel J. Miller and David Maymudes as inventors;    -   application Ser. No. 09/732,372, entitled “Methods and Systems        for Mixing Digital Audio Signals”, naming Eric H. Rudolph as        inventor;    -   application Ser. No. 09./732,086, entitled “Methods and Systems        for Processing Multi-media Editing Projects”, naming Eric H.        Rudolph as inventor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention generally relates to processing media content and, moreparticularly, to a system and related interfaces facilitating theprocessing of media content.

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in computing power and related technology have fosteredthe development of a new generation of powerful software applications.Gaming applications, communications applications, and multimediaapplications have particularly benefited from increased processing powerand clocking speeds. Indeed, once the province of dedicated, specialtyworkstations, many personal computing systems now have the capacity toreceive, process and render multimedia objects (e.g., audio and videocontent). While the ability to display (receive, process and render)multimedia content has been around for a while, the ability for astandard computing system to support true multimedia editingapplications is relatively new.

In an effort to satisfy this need, Microsoft Corporation introduced aninnovative development system supporting advanced user-definedmultimedia editing functions. An example of this architecture ispresented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,038 issued to Griffiths and commonlyowned by the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of whichis expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In the '038 patent, Griffiths introduced the an application programinterface which, when exposed to higher-level development applications,enables a user to graphically construct a multimedia processing projectby piecing together a collection of “filters” exposed by the interface.The interface described therein is referred to as a filter graphmanager. The filter graph manager controls the data structure of thefilter graph and the way data moves through the filter graph. The filtergraph manager provides a set of component object model (COM) interfacesfor communication between a filter graph and its application. Filters ofa filter graph architecture are preferably implemented as COM objects,each implementing one or more interfaces, each of which contains apredefined set of functions, called methods. Methods are called by anapplication program or other component objects in order to communicatewith the object exposing the interface. The application program can alsocall methods or interfaces exposed by the filter graph manager object.

Filter graphs work with data representing a variety of media (ornon-media) data types, each type characterized by a data stream that isprocessed by the filter components comprising the filter graph. A filterpositioned closer to the source of the data is referred to as anupstream filter, while those further down the processing chain isreferred to as a downstream filter. For each data stream that the filterhandles it exposes at least one virtual pin (i.e., distinguished from aphysical pin such as one might find on an integrated circuit). A virtualpin can be implemented as a COM object that represents a point ofconnection for a unidirectional data stream on a filter. Input pinsrepresent inputs and accept data into the filter, while output pinsrepresent outputs and provide data to other filters. Each of the filtersinclude at least one memory buffer, wherein communication of the mediastream between filters is often accomplished by a series of “copy”operations from one filter to another.

As introduced in Griffiths, a filter graph has three different types offilters: source filters, transform filters, and rendering filters. Asource filter is used to load data from some source; a transform filterprocesses and passes data; and a rendering filter renders data to ahardware device or other locations (e.g., saved to a file, etc.). Anexample of a filter graph for a simplistic media rendering process ispresented with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 graphically illustrates an example filter graph for renderingmedia content. As shown, the filter graph 100 is comprised of aplurality of filters 102-114, which read, process (transform) and rendermedia content from a selected source file. As shown, the filter graphincludes each of the types of filters described above, interconnected ina linear fashion.

Products utilizing the filter graph have been well received in themarket as it has opened the door to multimedia editing using otherwisestandard computing systems. It is to be appreciated, however, that theconstruction and implementation of the filter graphs are computationallyintensive and expensive in terms of memory usage. Even the most simpleof filter graphs requires and abundance of memory to facilitate the copyoperations required to move data between filters. Complex filter graphscan become unwieldy, due in part to the linear nature of prior artfilter graph architecture. Moreover, it is to be appreciated that thefilter graphs themselves consume memory resources, thereby compoundingthe issue introduced above.

Thus, what is required is a filter graph architecture which reduces thecomputational and memory resources required to support even the mostcomplex of multimedia projects. Indeed, what is required is adynamically reconfigurable multimedia editing system and relatedmethods, unencumbered by the limitations described above. Just such asystem and methods are disclosed below.

SUMMARY

Methods and systems of simulating dynamic properties oncomputer-implemented objects that do not support dynamic properties aredescribed. In one embodiment, one or more first objects that do notsupport dynamic properties are provided. One or more second programmableobjects are provided and are programmed to effect property value changeson the objects that do not support dynamic properties. The programmableobjects can be programmed using data structures that, in one embodiment,comprise an array of one or more sets of data structures. Each datastructure set is associated with a property whose value is desired to bechanged. The data structure set can define a new property value, a timeat which the property value is to be changed, and how to effect theproperty value change. The programmable object(s) is pre-programmed withthe data structures and knows when to call the first objects so thatthey can change their properties. In one embodiment, the programmableobjects are employed in the context of multi-media project editingsoftware that permits a user to build a multi-media project usingmultiple different digital source streams.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The same reference numbers are used throughout the figures to referencelike components and features.

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of a conventional filter graphrepresenting a user-defined development project.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computing system incorporating theteachings of the described embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example software architectureincorporating the teachings of the described embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration of an example software-enabled matrixswitch, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of a data structure comprising aprogramming grid to selectively couple one or more of a scalableplurality of input pins to a scalable plurality of output pins of thematrix switch filter, in accordance with one aspect of the describedembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a graphical illustration denoting shared buffer memory betweenfilters, according to one aspect of the described embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an example method for generating a filtergraph, in accordance with one aspect of the described embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an example method for negotiating bufferrequirements between at least two adjacent filters, according to oneaspect of the described embodiment.

FIG. 9 graphically illustrates an overview of a process that takes auser-defined editing project and composites a data structure that can beused to program the matrix switch.

FIG. 10 graphically illustrates the project of FIG. 9 in greater detail.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary matrix switch dynamically generated insupport of the project developed in FIGS. 9 and 10, according to onedescribed embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a graphic representation of an exemplary datastructure that represents the project of FIG. 10, according to onedescribed embodiment.

FIGS. 13-18 graphically illustrate various states of a matrix switchprogramming grid at select points in processing the project of FIGS. 9and 10 through the matrix switch, in accordance with one describedembodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an example method for processing mediacontent, in accordance with one described embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example project with a transition and an effect,in accordance with one described embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary data structure in the form of a hierarchicaltree that represents the project of FIG. 20.

FIGS. 22 and 23 graphically illustrate an example matrix switchprogramming grid associated with the project of FIG. 20 at select pointsin time, according to one described embodiment.

FIG. 24 shows an example matrix switch dynamically generated andconfigured as the grid of FIGS. 22 and 23 was being processed, inaccordance with one described embodiment.

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary project in accordance with one describedembodiment.

FIG. 26 graphically illustrates an example audio editing project,according to one described embodiment.

FIG. 27 depicts an example matrix switch programming grid associatedwith the project of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 shows an example matrix switch dynamically generated andconfigured in accordance with the programming grid of FIG. 27 to performthe project of FIG. 26, according to one described embodiment.

FIG. 29 illustrates an exemplary media processing project incorporatinganother media processing project as a composite, according to yetanother described embodiment.

FIG. 30 graphically illustrates an example data structure in the form ofa hierarchical tree structure that represents the project of FIG. 29.

FIGS. 31-37 graphically illustrate various matrix switch programminggrid states at select points in generating and configuring the matrixswitch to implement the media processing of FIG. 29.

FIG. 38 illustrates an example matrix switch suitable for use in themedia processing project of FIG. 29, according to one describedembodiment.

FIG. 38 a graphically illustrates an example data structure in the formof a hierarchical tree structure that represents a project that isuseful in understanding composites in accordance with the describedembodiments.

FIG. 39 is a flow diagram that describes steps in a method in accordancewith one described embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a block diagram of a system that can be utilized, inaccordance with one embodiment, to impart to objects that support onlystatic properties, characteristics that enable them to behave in a waythat appears as if they support dynamic properties.

FIG. 41 illustrates an example in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a flow diagram that describes steps in a method in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 43 illustrates a matrix switch in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various described embodiments concern an application program interfaceassociated with a development system. According to one exampleimplementation, the interface is exposed to a media processingapplication to enable a user to dynamically generate complex mediaprocessing tasks, e.g., editing projects. In the discussion herein,aspects of the invention are developed within the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by one or more conventional computers. Generally, programmodules include routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the invention may be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including hand-held devices, personal digitalassistants, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers,and the like. In a distributed computer environment, program modules maybe located in both local and remote memory storage devices. It is noted,however, that modification to the architecture and methods describedherein may well be made without deviating from spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Moreover, although developed within the context of amedia processing system paradigm, those skilled in the art willappreciate, from the discussion to follow, that the application programinterface may well be applied to other development systemimplementations. Thus, the media processing system described below isbut one illustrative implementation of a broader inventive concept.

Example System Architecture

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a suitable computing environment 200 onwhich the system and related methods for processing media content may beimplemented.

It is to be appreciated that computing environment 200 is only oneexample of a suitable computing environment and is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of themedia processing system. Neither should the computing environment 200 beinterpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any oneor combination of components illustrated in the exemplary computingenvironment 200.

The media processing system is operational with numerous other generalpurpose or special purpose computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the mediaprocessing system include, but are not limited to, personal computers,server computers, thin clients, thick clients, hand-held or laptopdevices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set topboxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers,mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include anyof the above systems or devices, and the like.

In certain implementations, the system and related methods forprocessing media content may well be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The mediaprocessing system may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer storage media including memory storage devices.

In accordance with the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 2computing system 200 is shown comprising one or more processors orprocessing units 202, a system memory 204, and a bus 206 that couplesvarious system components including the system memory 204 to theprocessor 202.

Bus 206 is intended to represent one or more of any of several types ofbus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or localbus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, andnot limitation, such architectures include Industry StandardArchitecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, EnhancedISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) localbus, and Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) buss also known asMezzanine bus.

Computer 200 typically includes a variety of computer readable media.Such media may be any available media that is locally and/or remotelyaccessible by computer 200, and it includes both volatile andnon-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

In FIG. 2, the system memory 204 includes computer readable media in theform of volatile, such as random access memory (RAM) 210, and/ornon-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM) 208. A basicinput/output system (BIOS) 212, containing the basic routines that helpto transfer information between elements within computer 200, such asduring start-up, is stored in ROM 208. RAM 210 typically contains dataand/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/orpresently be operated on by processing unit(s) 202.

Computer 200 may further include other removable/non-removable,volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example only,FIG. 2 illustrates a hard disk drive 228 for reading from and writing toa non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typicallycalled a “hard drive”), a magnetic disk drive 230 for reading from andwriting to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk 232 (e.g., a “floppydisk”), and an optical disk drive 234 for reading from or writing to aremovable, non-volatile optical disk 236 such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM orother optical media. The hard disk drive 228, magnetic disk drive 230,and optical disk drive 234 are each connected to bus 206 by one or moreinterfaces 226.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, and other data for computer 200. Although the exemplaryenvironment described herein employs a hard disk 228, a removablemagnetic disk 232 and a removable optical disk 236, it should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of computerreadable media which can store data that is accessible by a computer,such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks,random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROM), and the like,may also be used in the exemplary operating environment.

A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk 228, magneticdisk 232, optical disk 236, ROM 208, or RAM 210, including, by way ofexample, and not limitation, an operating system 214, one or moreapplication programs 216 (e.g., multimedia application program 224),other program modules 218, and program data 220. In accordance with theillustrated example embodiment of FIG. 2, operating system 214 includesan application program interface embodied as a render engine 222. Aswill be developed more fully below, render engine 222 is exposed tohigher-level applications (e.g., 216) to automatically assemble filtergraphs in support of user-defined development projects, e.g., mediaprocessing projects. Unlike conventional media processing systems,however, render engine 222 utilizes a scalable, dynamicallyreconfigurable matrix switch to reduce filter graph complexity, therebyreducing the computational and memory resources required to complete adevelopment project. Various aspects of the innovative media processingsystem represented by a computer 200 implementing the innovative renderengine 222 will be developed further, below.

Continuing with FIG. 2, a user may enter commands and information intocomputer 200 through input devices such as keyboard 238 and pointingdevice 240 (such as a “mouse”). Other input devices may include aaudio/video input device(s) 253, a microphone, joystick, game pad,satellite dish, serial port, scanner, or the like (not shown). These andother input devices are connected to the processing unit(s) 202 throughinput interface(s) 242 that is coupled to bus 206, but may be connectedby other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, gameport, or a universal serial bus (USB).

A monitor 256 or other type of display device is also connected to bus206 via an interface, such as a video adapter 244. In addition to themonitor, personal computers typically include other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers and printers, which may beconnected through output peripheral interface 246.

Computer 200 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer250. Remote computer 250 may include many or all of the elements andfeatures described herein relative to computer 200 including, forexample, render engine 222 and one or more development applications 216utilizing the resources of render engine 222.

As shown in FIG. 2. computing system 200 is communicatively coupled toremote devices (e.g., remote computer 250) through a local area network(LAN) 251 and a general wide area network (WAN) 252. Such networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computernetworks, intranets, and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 200 is connectedto LAN 251 through a suitable network interface or adapter 248. Whenused in a WAN networking environment, the computer 200 typicallyincludes a modem 254 or other means for establishing communications overthe WAN 252. The modem 254, which may be internal or external, may beconnected to the system bus 206 via the user input interface 242, orother appropriate mechanism.

In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to thepersonal computer 200, or portions thereof, may be stored in a remotememory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 2illustrates remote application programs 216 as residing on a memorydevice of remote computer 250. It will be appreciated that the networkconnections shown and described are exemplary and other means ofestablishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

Turning next to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an example development systemarchitecture is presented, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. In accordance with the illustrated example embodimentof FIG. 3, development system 300 is shown comprising one or moreapplication program(s) 216 coupled to render engine 222 via anappropriate communications interface 302. As used herein, applicationprogram(s) 216 are intended to represent any of a wide variety ofapplications which may benefit from use of render engine 222 such as,for example a media processing application 224.

The communications interface 302 is intended to represent any of anumber of alternate interfaces used by operating systems to exposeapplication program interface(s) to applications. According to oneexample implementation, interface 302 is a component object model (COM)interface, as used by operating systems offered by MicrosoftCorporation. As introduced above, COM interface 302 provides a means bywhich the features of the render engine 222, to be described more fullybelow, are exposed to an application program 216.

In accordance with the illustrated example implementation of FIG. 3,render engine 222 is presented comprising source filter(s) 304A-N,transform filter(s) 306A-N and render filter 310, coupled togetherutilizing virtual pins to facilitate a user-defined media processingproject. According to one implementation, the filters of system 300 aresimilar to the filters exposed in conventional media processing systems.According to one implementation, however, filters are not coupled viasuch interface pins. Rather, alternate implementations are envisionedwherein individual filters (implemented as objects) make calls to otherobjects, under the control of the render engine 222, for the desiredinput. Unlike conventional systems, however, render engine 222 exposes ascalable, dynamically reconfigurable matrix switch filter 308,automatically generated and dynamically configured by render engine 222to reduce the computational and memory resource requirements oftenassociated with development projects. As introduced above, the pins(input and/or output) are application interface(s) designed tocommunicatively couple other objects (e.g., filters).

In accordance with the example implementation of a media processingsystem, an application communicates with an instance of render engine222 when the application 216 wants to process streaming media content.Render engine 222 selectively invokes and controls an instance of filtergraph manager (not shown) to automatically create a filter graph byinvoking the appropriate filters (e.g., source, transform andrendering). As introduced above, the communication of media contentbetween filters is achieved by either (1) coupling virtual output pinsof one filter to the virtual input pins of requesting filter; or (2) byscheduling object calls between appropriate filters to communicate therequested information. As shown, source filter 304 receives streamingdata from the invoking application or an external source (not shown). Itis to be appreciated that the streaming data can be obtained from a fileon a disk, a network, a satellite feed, an Internet server, a videocassette recorder, or other source of media content. As introducedabove, transform filter(s) 306 take the media content and processes itin some manner, before passing it along to render filter 310. As usedherein, transform filter(s) 306 are intended to represent a wide varietyof processing methods or applications that can be performed on mediacontent. In this regard, transform filter(s) 306 may well include asplitter, a decoder, a sizing filter, a transition filter, an effectsfilter, and the like. The function of each of these filters is describedmore fully in the Griffiths application, introduced above, and generallyincorporated herein by reference. The transition filter, as used herein,is utilized by render engine 222 to transition the rendered output froma first source to a second source. The effect filter is selectivelyinvoked to introduce a particular effect (e.g., fade, wipe, audiodistortion, etc.) to a media stream.

In accordance with one aspect of the embodiment, to be described morefully below, matrix switch filter 308 selectively passes media contentfrom one or more of a scalable plurality of input(s) to a scalableplurality of output(s). Moreover, matrix switch 308 also supportsimplementation of a cascaded architecture utilizing feedback paths,i.e., wherein transform filters 306B, 306C, etc. coupled to the outputof matrix switch 308 are dynamically coupled to one or more of thescalable plurality of matrix switch input(s). An example of thiscascaded filter graph architecture is introduced in FIG. 3, and furtherexplained in example implementations, below.

Typically, media processed through source, transform and matrix switchfilters are ultimately passed to render filter 310, which provides thenecessary interface to a hardware device, or other location that acceptsthe renderer output format, such as a memory or disk file, or arendering device.

FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration of an example software-enabled matrixswitch 308, according to one example embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown, the matrix switch 308 is comprised of a scalableplurality of input(s) 402 and a scalable plurality of output(s) 404,wherein any one or more of the input(s) 402 may be iteratively coupledto any one or more of the output(s) 404, based on the content of thematrix switch programming grid 406, automatically generated by renderengine 222. According to an alternate implementation introduced above,switch matrix 308 is programmed by render engine 222 to dynamicallygenerate object calls to communicate media content between filters. Inaddition, according to one implementation, matrix switch 308 includes aplurality of input/output (I/O) buffers 408, as well as means formaintaining source, or media time 410 and/or timeline, or project time412. It is to be appreciated, however, that in alternate implementationsmatrix switch 308 does not maintain both source and project times,relying on an upstream filter to convert between these times. As will bedeveloped more fully below, matrix switch 308 dynamically couples one ormore of the scalable plurality of inputs 402 to one or more of thescalable plurality of outputs 404 based, at least in part, on the mediatime 410 and/or the project time 412 and the content of matrix switchprogramming grid 406. In this regard, matrix switch 308 may becharacterized as time-aware, supporting such advanced editing featuresas searching/seeking to a particular point (e.g., media time) in themedia content, facilitating an innovative buffering process utilizingI/O buffers 408 to facilitate look-ahead processing of media content,and the like. Thus, it will be appreciated given the discussion tofollow that introduction of the matrix switch 308 provides a user withan editing flexibility that was heretofore unavailable in a personalcomputer-based media processing system.

As introduced above, the inputs 402 and outputs 404 of matrix switch 308are interfaces which facilitate the time-sensitive routing of data(e.g., media content) in accordance with a user-defined developmentproject. Matrix switch 308 has a scalable plurality of inputs 402 andoutputs 404, meaning that the number of inputs 402 and outputs 404 areindividually generated to satisfy a given editing project. Insofar aseach of the inputs/outputs (I/O) has an associated transfer buffer(preferably shared with an adjacent filter) to communicate mediacontent, the scalability of the input/output serves to reduce theoverall buffer memory consumed by an editing project. According to oneimplementation, output 1 is generally reserved as a primary output,e.g., coupled to a rendering filter (not shown).

According to one implementation, for each input 402 and output 404,matrix switch 308 attempts to be the allocator, or manager of the bufferassociated with the I/O(s) shared with adjacent filters. One reason isto ensure that all of the buffers are of the same size and share commonattributes so that a buffer associated with any input 402 may be sharedwith any output 404, thereby reducing the need to copy memory contentsbetween individual buffers associated with such inputs/outputs. Ifmatrix switch 308 cannot be an allocator for a given output (404),communication from an input (402) to that output is performed using aconventional memory copy operation between the individual buffersassociated with the select input/output.

As introduced above, the matrix switch programming grid 406 isdynamically generated by render engine 222 based, at least in part, onthe user-defined development project. As will be developed below, renderengine 222 invokes an instance of filter graph manager to assembles atree structure of an editing project, noting dependencies betweensource, filters and time to dynamically generate the programming grid406. A data structure comprising an example programming grid 406 isintroduced with reference to FIG. 5, below.

Turning briefly to FIG. 5, a graphical representation of a datastructure comprising an example programming grid 406 is presented, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In accordancewith the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 5, programming grid 406is depicted as a two-dimensional data structure comprising a columnalong the y-axis 502 of the grid denoting input pins associated with acontent chain (e.g., series of filters to process media content) of thedevelopment project. The top row along the x-axis 504 of the datastructure denotes project time. With these grid “borders”, the body 506of the grid 406 is populated with output pin assignments, denoting whichinput pin is coupled to which output pin during execution of thedevelopment project. In this way, render engine 222 dynamicallygenerates and facilitates matrix switch 308. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate, however, that data structures of greater or lessercomplexity may well be used in support of the programming grid 406without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Returning to FIG. 4, matrix switch 308 is also depicted with a pluralityof input/output buffers 408, shared among all of the input(s)/output(s)(402, 404) to facilitate advanced processing features. That is, whilenot required to implement the core features of matrix switch 308, I/Obuffers 408 facilitate a number of innovative performance enhancingfeatures to improve the performance (or at least the user's perceptionof performance) of the processing system, thereby providing an improveduser experience. According to one implementation, I/O buffers 408 areseparate from the buffers assigned to each individual input and outputpin in support of communication through the switch. According to oneimplementation, I/O buffers 408 are primarily used to foster look-aheadprocessing of the project. Assume, for example, that a large portion ofthe media processing project required only 50% of the availableprocessing power, while some smaller portion required 150% of theavailable processing power. Implementation of the shared I/O buffers 408enable filter graph manager to execute tasks ahead of schedule andbuffer this content in the shared I/O buffers 408 until required. Thus,when execution of the filter graph reaches a point where more than 100%of the available processing power is required, the processing system cancontinue to supply content from the I/O buffers 408, while the systemcompletes execution of the CPU-intensive tasks. If enough shared bufferspace is provided, the user should never know that some tasks were notperformed in real-time. According to one implementation, shared buffers408 are dynamically split into two groups by render engine 222, a firstgroup supports the input(s) 402, while a second (often smaller) group isused in support of a primary output (e.g., output pin 1) to facilitate asecond, independent output processing thread. The use of an independentoutput buffers the render engine from processing delays that might occurin upstream and/or downstream filters, as discussed above. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that such that matrix switch 308and the foregoing described architecture beneficially suited to supportmedia streaming applications.

As introduced above, the filter graph is time-aware in the sense thatmedia (source) time and project execution time are maintained. Accordingto one implementation, matrix switch 308 maintains at least the projectclock, while an upstream filter maintains the source time, convertingbetween source and project time for all downstream filters (i.e.,including the matrix switch 308). According to one implementation, theframe rate converter filter of a filter graph is responsible forconverting source time to project time, and vice versa, i.e., supportingrandom seeks, etc. Alternatively, matrix switch 308 utilizes anintegrated set of clock(s) to independently maintain project and mediatimes.

Having introduced the architectural and operational elements of matrixswitch filter 308, FIG. 6 graphically illustrates an example filtergraph implementation incorporating the innovative matrix switch 308. Inaccordance with the illustrated example embodiment, filter graph 600 isgenerated by render engine 222 in response to a user defined developmentproject. Unlike the lengthy linear filter graphs typical of conventiondevelopment systems however, filter graph 600 is shown incorporating amatrix switch filter 308 to recursively route the pre-processed content(e.g., through filters 602, 606, 610, 614 and 618, described more fullybelow) through a user-defined number of transform filters including, forexample, transition filter(s) 620 and effects filter(s) 622. Moreover,as will be developed more fully below, the scalable nature of matrixswitch filter 308 facilitates such iterative processing for any numberof content threads, tracks or compositions.

According to one implementation, a matrix switch filter 308 can onlyprocess one type of media content, of the same size and at the sameframe-rate (video) or modulation type/schema (audio). Thus, FIG. 6 isdepicted comprising pre-processing filters with a parser filter 606 toseparate, independent content type(s) (e.g., audio content and videocontent), wherein one of the media types would be processed along adifferent path including a separate instance of matrix switch 308. Thus,in accordance with the illustrated example embodiment of a mediaprocessing system, processing multimedia content including audio andvideo would utilize two (2) matrix switch filters 308, one dedicated toaudio processing (not shown) and one dedicated to video processing. Thatis not to say, however, that multiple switch filters 308 could not beused (e.g., two each for audio and video) for each content type inalternate implementations. Similarly, it is anticipated that inalternate implementations a matrix switch 308 that accepts multiplemedia types could well be used without deviating from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

In addition filter graph 600 includes a decoder filter 610 to decode themedia content. Resize filter 614 is employed when matrix switch 308 isto receive content from multiple sources, ensuring that the size of thereceived content is the same, regardless of the source. According to oneimplementation, resize filter 614 is selectively employed in videoprocessing paths to adjust the media size of content from one or moresources to a user-defined level. Alternatively, resizer filter 614adjusts the media size to the largest size provided by any one or moremedia sources. That is, if, for example, render engine 222 identifiesthe largest required media size (e.g., 1270×1040 video pixels per frame)and, for any content source not providing content at this size, thecontent is modified (e.g., stretched, packed, etc.) to fill this sizerequirement. The frame rate converter (FRC) and pack filter 618,introduced above, ensures that video content from the multiple sourcesis arriving at the same frame rate, e.g., ten (10) frames per second. Asintroduced above, the FRC also maintains the distinction between sourcetime and project time.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, filter graph 600is depicted utilizing a single, negotiated buffer 604, 608, 612, 616,etc. between adjacent filters. In this regard, render engine 222 reducesthe buffer memory requirements in support of a development project.

From the point of pre-processing (filters 602, 606, 610, 614, 618),rather than continue a linear filter graph incorporating all of thetransition 620 and effect 622 filter(s), render engine 222 utilizes acascade architecture, recursively passing media content through thematrix switch 308 to apply to the transform filter(s) (e.g., 620, 622,etc.) to complete the execution of the development project. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the ability to recursivelypass media content through one or more effect and/or transition filtersprovided by the matrix switch filter 308 greatly reduces the perceivedcomplexity of otherwise large filter graphs, while reducing memory andcomputational overhead.

Turning to FIG. 7, a flow chart of an example method for generating afilter graph is presented, in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention. The method 700 begins with block 702 wherein render engine222 receives an indication to generate a filter graph representing auser-defined development project (e.g., a media editing project).According to one example implementation, the indication is received froman application 224 via COM interface(s) 302.

In block 704, render engine 222 facilitates generation of the editingproject, identifying the number and type of media sources selected bythe user. In block 706, based at least in part on the number and/or typeof media sources, filter graph manger 222 exposes source, transform andrendering filter(s) to effect a user defined media processing project,while beginning to establish a programming grid 406 for the matrixswitch filter 308.

In block 708, reflecting user editing instructions, render engine 222completes the programming grid 406 for matrix switch 308, identifyingwhich inputs 402 are to be coupled to which outputs 404 at particularproject times.

Based, at least in part, on the programming grid 406 render engine 222generates a matrix switch filter 308 with an appropriate number of input402 and output 404 pins to effect the project, and assembles the filtergraph, block 710.

In block 712, to reduce the buffer memory requirements for theprocessing project, the render engine 222 instructs the filterspopulating the filter graph to (re)negotiate buffer memory requirementsbetween filters. That is, adjacent filters attempt to negotiate a sizeand attribute standard so that a single buffer can be utilized to coupleeach an output pin of one filter to an input pin of a downstream filter.An example implementation of the buffer negotiation process of block 712is presented in greater detail with reference to FIG. 8.

Turning briefly to FIG. 8, an example method of negotiating bufferrequirements between adjacent filters is presented, in accordance withone example implementation of the present invention. Once the finalconnection is established to matrix switch 308, matrix switch 308identifies the maximum buffer requirements for any filter coupled to anyof its pins (input 402 and/or output 404), block 802. According to oneimplementation, the maximum buffer requirements are defined as thelowest common multiple of buffer alignment requirements, and the maximumof all the pre-fix requirements of the filter buffers.

In block 804, matrix switch 308 selectively removes one or more existingfilter connections to adjacent filters. Matrix switch 308 thenreconnects all of its pins to adjacent filters using a common buffersize between each of the pins, block 806. In block 808, matrix switch308 negotiates to be the allocator for all of its pins (402, 404). Ifthe matrix switch 308 cannot, for whatever reason, be the allocator forany of its input pins 402 minimal loss to performance is encountered, asthe buffer associated with the input pin will still be compatible withany downstream filter (i.e., coupled to an output pin) and, thus, thebuffer can still be passed to the downstream filter without requiring amemory copy operation. If, however, matrix switch 308 cannot be anallocator for one of its output pins 404, media content must then betransferred to at least the downstream filter associated with thatoutput pin using a memory copy operation, block 810.

In block 812, once the matrix switch 308 has re-established itsconnection to adjacent filters, render engine 222 restores theconnection in remaining filters using negotiated buffer requirementsemanating from the matrix switch filter 308 buffer negotiations. Oncethe connections throughout the filter graph have been reconnected, theprocess continues with block 714 of FIG. 7.

In block 714 (FIG. 7), have re-established the connections betweenfilters, render engine 222 is ready to implement a user's instruction toexecute the media processing project.

Example Operation and Implementation(s)

The matrix switch described above is quite useful in that it allowsmultiple inputs to be directed to multiple outputs at any one time.These input can compete for a matrix switch output. The embodimentsdescribed below permit these competing inputs to be organized so thatthe inputs smoothly flow through the matrix switch to provide a desiredoutput. And, while the inventive programming techniques are described inconnection with the matrix switch as such is employed in the context ofmulti-media editing projects, it should be clearly understood thatapplication of the inventive programming techniques and structuresshould not be so limited only to application in the field of multi-mediaediting projects or, for that matter, multi-media applications or datastreams. Accordingly, the principles about to be discussed can beapplied to other fields of endeavor in which multiple inputs can becharacterized as competing for a particular output during a common timeperiod.

In the multi-media example below, the primary output of the matrixswitch is a data stream that defines an editing project that has beencreated by a user. Recall that this editing project can include multipledifferent sources that are combined in any number of different ways, andthe sources that make up a project can comprise audio sources, videosources, or both. The organization of the inputs and outputs of thematrix switch are made manageable, in the examples described below, by adata structure that permits the matrix switch to be programmed.

FIG. 9 shows an overview of a process that takes a user-defined editingproject and renders from it a data structure that can be used to programthe matrix switch.

Specifically, a user-defined editing project is shown generally at 900.Typically, when a user creates an editing project, they can select froma number of different multimedia clips that they can then assemble intoa unique presentation. Each individual clip represents a source ofdigital data or a source stream (e.g., multimedia content). Projects caninclude one or more sources 902. In defining their project, a user canoperate on sources in different ways. For example, video sources canhave transitions 904 and effects 906 applied on them. A transitionobject is a way to change between two or more sources. As discussedabove, a transition essentially receives as input, two or more streams,operates on them in some way, and produces a single output stream. Anexemplary transition can comprise, for example, fading from one sourceto another. An effect object can operate on a single source or on acomposite of sources. An effect essentially receives a single inputstream, operates on it in some way, and produces a single output stream.An exemplary effect can comprise a black-and-white effect in which avideo stream that is configured for presentation in color format isrendered into a video stream that is configured for presentation inblack and white format. Unlike conventional effect filters, effectobject 906 may well perform multiple effect tasks. That is, inaccordance with one implementation, an effect object (e.g., 906) mayactually perform multiple tasks on the received input stream, whereinsaid tasks would require multiple effect filters in a conventionalfilter graph system.

An exemplary user interface 908 is shown and represents what a usermight see when they produce a multimedia project with software executingon a computer. In this example, the user has selected three sources A,B, and C, and has assembled the sources into a project timeline. Theproject timeline defines when the individual sources are to be rendered,as well as when any transitions and/or effects are to occur.

In the discussion that follows, the notion of a track is introduced. Atrack can contain one or more sources or source clips. If a trackcontains more than one source clip, the source clips cannot overlap. Ifsource clips are to overlap (e.g. fading from one source to another, orhaving one source obscure another), then multiple tracks are used. Atrack can thus logically represent a layer on which sequential video isproduced. User interface 908 illustrates a project that utilizes threetracks, each of which contains a different source. In this particularproject source A will show for a period of time. At a defined time inthe presentation, source A is obscured by source B. At some later time,source B transitions to source C.

In accordance with the described embodiment, the user-defined editingproject 900 is translated into a data structure 910 that represents theproject. In the illustrated and described example, this data structure910 comprises a tree structure. It is to be understood, however, thatother data structures could be used. The use of tree structures torepresent editing projects is well-known and is not described here inany additional detail. Once the data structure 910 is defined, it isprocessed to provide a data structure 912 that is utilized to programthe matrix switch. In the illustrated and described embodiment, datastructure 912 comprises a grid from which the matrix switch can beprogrammed. It is to be understood and appreciated that other datastructures and techniques could, however, be used to program the matrixswitch without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedsubject matter.

The processing that takes place to define data structures 910 and 912can take place using any suitable hardware, software, firmware, orcombination thereof. In the examples set forth below, the processingtakes place utilizing software in the form of a video editing softwarepackage that is executable on a general purpose computer.

Example Project

For purposes of explanation, consider FIG. 10 which shows project 908from FIG. 9 in a little additional detail. Here, a time line containingnumbers 0-16 is provided adjacent the project to indicate whenparticular sources are to be seen and when transitions and effects (whenpresent) are to occur. In the examples in this document, the followingconvention exists with respect to projects, such as project 908. Apriority exists for video portions of the project such that as oneproceeds from top to bottom, the priority increases. Thus, in the FIG.10 example, source A has the lowest priority followed by source B andsource C. Thus, if there is an overlap between higher and lower prioritysources, the higher priority source will prevail. For example, source Bwill obscure source A from between t=4-8.

In this example, the following can be ascertained from the project 908and time line: from time t=0-4 source A should be routed to the matrixswitch's primary output; from t=4-12 source B should be routed to thematrix switch's primary output; from t=12-14 there should be atransition between source B and source C which should be routed to thematrix switch's primary output; and from t=14-16 source C should berouted to the matrix switch's primary output. Thus, relative to thematrix switch, each of the sources and the transition can becharacterized by where it is to be routed at any given time. Consider,for example, the table just below:

Object Routing for a given time C t = 0-12 (nowhere); t = 12-14(transition); t = 14-16 (primary output) B t = 0-4 (nowhere); t = 4-12(primary output); t = 12-14 (transition); t = 14-16 (nowhere) A t = 0-4(primary output); t = 4-16 (nowhere) Transition t = 0-12 (nowhere); t =12-14 (primary output); t = 14-16 (nowhere)

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary matrix switch 1100 that can be utilized inthe presentation of the user's project. Matrix switch 1100 comprisesmultiple inputs and multiple outputs. Recall that a characteristic ofthe matrix switch 1100 is that any of the inputs can be routed to any ofthe outputs at any given time. A transition element 1102 is provided andrepresents the transition that is to occur between sources B and C.Notice that the matrix switch includes four inputs numbered 0-3 andthree outputs numbered 0-2. Inputs 0-2 correspond respectively tosources A-C, while input 3 corresponds to the output of the transitionelement 1102. Output 0 corresponds to the switch's primary output, whileoutputs 1 and 2 are routed to the transition element 1102.

The information that is contained in the table above is the informationthat is utilized to program the matrix switch. The discussion presentedbelow describes but one implementation in which the informationcontained in the above table can be derived from the user's project timeline.

Recall that as a user edits or creates a project, software thatcomprises a part of their editing software builds a data structure thatrepresents the project. In the FIG. 9 overview, this was data structure910. In addition to building the data structure that represents theediting project, the software also builds and configures a matrix switchthat is to be used to define the output stream that embodies theproject. Building and configuring the matrix switch can include buildingthe appropriate graphs (e.g., a collection of software objects, orfilters) that are associated with each of the sources and associatingthose graphs with the correct inputs of the matrix switch. In addition,building and configuring the matrix switch can also include obtainingand incorporating additional appropriate filters with the matrix switch,e.g. filters for transitions, effects, and mixing (for audio streams).This will become more apparent below.

FIG. 12 shows a graphic representation of an exemplary data structure1200 that represents the project of FIG. 10. Here, the data structurecomprises a traditional hierarchical tree structure. Any suitable datastructure can, however, be utilized. The top node 1202 constitutes agroup node. A group encapsulates a type of media. For example, in thepresent example the media type comprises video. Another media type isaudio. The group node can have child nodes that are either tracks orcomposites. In the present example, three track nodes 1204, 1206, and1208 are shown. Recall that each track can have one or more sources. Ifa track comprises more than one source, the sources cannot overlap.Here, all of the sources (A, B, and C) overlap. Hence, three differenttracks are utilized for the sources. In terms of priority, the lowestpriority source is placed into the tree furthest from the left at 1204a. The other sources are similarly placed. Notice that source C (1208 a)has a transition 1210 associated with it. A transition object, in thisexample, defines a two-input/one output operation. When applied to atrack or a composition (discussed below in more detail), the transitionobject will operate between the track to which it has been applied, andany objects that are beneath it in priority and at the same level in thetree. A “tree level” has a common depth within the tree and belongs tothe same parent. Accordingly, in this example, the transition 1210 willoperate on a source to the left of the track on which source C resides,and beneath it in priority, i.e. source B. If the transition is appliedto any object that has nothing beneath it in the tree, it willtransition from blackness (and/or silence if audio is included).

Once a data structure representing the project has been built, in thiscase a hierarchical tree structure, a rendering engine processes thedata structure to provide another data structure that is utilized toprogram the matrix switch. In the FIG. 9 example, this additional datastructure is represented at 912. It will be appreciated and understoodthat the nodes of tree 1200 can include so-called meta information suchas a name, ID, and a time value that represents when that particularnode's object desires to be routed to the output, e.g. node 1204 a wouldinclude an identifier for the node associating it with source A, as wellas a time value that indicates that source A desires to be routed to theoutput from time t=0-8. This meta information is utilized to build thedata structure that is, in turn, utilized to program the matrix switch.

In the example about to be described below, a specific data structure inthe form of a grid is utilized. In addition, certain specifics aredescribed with respect to how the grid is processed so that the matrixswitch can be programmed. It is to be understood that the specificdescribed approach is for exemplary purposes only and is not intended tolimit application of the claims. Rather, the specific approachconstitutes but one way of implementing broader conceptual notionsembodied by the inventive subject matter.

FIGS. 13-18 represent a process through which the inventive grid isbuilt. In the grid about to be described, the x axis represents time,and the y axis represents layers in terms of priority that go fromlowest (at the top of the grid) to highest (at the bottom of the grid).Every row in the grid represents the video layer. Additionally, entriesmade within the grid represent output pins of the matrix switch. Thiswill become apparent below.

The way that the grid is built in this example is that the renderingengine does a traversal operation on the tree 1200. In this particularexample, the traversal operation is known as a “depth-first,left-to-right” traversal. This operation will layerize the nodes so thatthe leftmost track or source has the lowest priority and so on. Doingthe above-mentioned traversal on tree 1200 (FIG. 12), the first nodeencountered is node 1204 which is associated with source A. This is thelowest priority track or source. A first row is defined for the grid andis associated with source A. After the first grid row is defined, a gridentry is made and represents the time period for which source A desiresto be routed to the matrix switch's primary output.

FIG. 13 shows the state of a grid 1300 after this first processing step.Notice that from time t=0-8, a “0” has been placed in the grid. The “0”represents the output pin of the matrix switch—in this case the primaryoutput. Next, the traversal encounters node 1206 (FIG. 12) which isassociated with source B. A second row is thus defined for the grid andis associated with source B. After the second grid row is defined, agrid entry is made and represents the time period for which source Bdesires to be routed to the matrix switch's primary output.

FIG. 14 shows the state of grid 1300 after this second processing step.Notice that from time t=4-14, a “0” has been placed in the grid. Noticeat this point that something interesting has occurred which will beresolved below. Each of the layers has a common period of time (i.e.t=4-8) for which it desires to be routed to the matrix switch's primaryoutput. However, because of the nature of the matrix switch, only oneinput can be routed to the primary output at a time. Next, the traversalencounters node 1208 (FIG. 12) which is associated with source C. Inthis particular processing example, a rule is defined that sources ontracks are processed before transitions on the tracks are processedbecause transitions operate on two objects that are beneath them. Athird row is thus defined for the grid and is associated with source C.After the third row is defined, a grid entry is made and represents thetime period for which source C desires to be routed to the matrixswitch's primary output.

FIG. 15 shows the state of grid 1300 after this third processing step.Notice that from time t=12-16, a “0” has been placed in the grid. Next,the traversal encounters node 1210 (FIG. 12) which corresponds to thetransition. Thus, a fourth row is defined in the grid and is associatedwith the transition. After the fourth row is defined, a grid entry ismade and represents the time period for which the transition desires tobe routed to the matrix switch's primary output.

FIG. 16 shows the state of grid 1300 after this fourth processing step.Notice that from time t=12-14, a “0” has been placed in the grid for thetransition entry. The transition is a special grid entry. Recall thatthe transition is programmed to operate on two inputs and provide asingle output. Accordingly, starting at the transition entry in the gridand working backward, each of the entries corresponding to the same treelevel are examined to ascertain whether they contain entries thatindicate that they want to be routed to the output during the same timethat the transition is to be routed to the output. If grid entries arefound that conflict with the transition's grid entry, the conflictinggrid entry is changed to a value to corresponds to an output pin thatserves as an input to the transition element 1102 (FIG. 11). This isessentially a redirection operation. In the illustrated grid example,the transition first finds the level that corresponds to source C. Thislevel conflicts with the transition's grid entry for the time periodt=12-14. Thus, for this time period, the grid entry for level C ischanged to a switch output that corresponds to an input for thetransition element. In this example, a “2” is placed in the grid tosignify that for this given time period, this input is routed to outputpin 2. Similarly, continuing up the grid, the next level that conflictswith the transition's grid entry is the level that corresponds to sourceB. Thus, for the conflicting time period, the grid entry for level B ischanged to a switch output that corresponds to an input for thetransition element. In this example, a “1” is placed in the grid tosignify that for this given time period, this input is routed to outputpin 1 of the matrix switch.

FIG. 17 shows the state of the grid at this point in the processing.Next, a pruning function is implemented which removes any other lowerpriority entry that is contending for the output with a higher priorityentry. In the example, the portion of A from t=4-8 gets removed becausethe higher priority B wants the output for that time.

FIG. 18 shows the grid with a cross-hatched area that signifies thatportion of A's grid entry that has been removed.

At this point, the grid is in a state in which it can be used to programthe matrix switch. The left side entries—A, B, C, and TRANS representinput pin numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3 (as shown) respectively, on the matrixswitch shown in FIG. 11. The output pin numbers of the matrix switch aredesignated at 0, 1, and 2 both on the switch in FIG. 11 and within thegrid in FIG. 18. As one proceeds through the grid, starting with sourceA, the programming of the matrix switch can be ascertained as follows: Ais routed to output pin 0 of the matrix switch (the primary output) fromt=0-4. From t=4-16, A is not routed to any output pins. From t=0-4, B isnot routed to any of the output pins of the matrix switch. From t=4-12,B is routed to the primary output pin 0 of the matrix switch. Fromt=12-14, B is routed to output pin 1 of the matrix switch. Output pin 1of the matrix switch corresponds to one of the input pins for thetransition element 1102 (FIG. 11). From t=14-16, B is not routed to anyof the output pins of the matrix switch. From t=0-12, C is not routed toany of the output pins of the matrix switch. From t=12-14, C is routedto output pin 2 of the matrix switch. Output pin 2 of the matrix switchcorresponds to one of the input pins for the transition element 302(FIG. 3). From t=12-14 the transition element (input pin 3) is routed tooutput pin 0. From t=14-16, C is routed to output pin 0 of the matrixswitch.

As alluded to above, one of the innovative aspects of the matrix switch308 is its ability to seek to any point in a source, without having toprocess the intervening content serially through the filter. Rather,matrix switch 308 identifies an appropriate transition point and dumpsat least a subset of the intervening content, and continues processingfrom the seeked point in the content.

The ability of the matrix switch 308 to seek to any point in the mediacontent gives rise to certain performance enhancement heretoforeunavailable in computer implemented media processing systems. Forexample, generation of a filter graph by render engine 222 may take intoaccount certain performance characteristics of the media processingsystem which will execute the user-defined media processing project. Inaccordance with this example implementation, render engine 222 mayaccess and analyze the system registry of the operating system, forexample, to ascertain the performance characteristics of hardware and/orsoftware elements of the computing system implementing the mediaprocessing system, and adjust the filter graph construction to improvethe perceived performance of the media processing system by the user.Nonetheless, there will always be a chance that a particular instance ofa filter graph will not be able to process the media stream fast enoughto provide the desired output at the desired time, i.e., processing ofthe media stream bogs down leading to delays at the rendering filter. Insuch a case, matrix switch 308 will recognize that it is not receivingmedia content at the appropriate project time, and may skip certainsections of the project in an effort to “catch-up” and continue theremainder of the project in real time. According to one implementation,when matrix switch 308 detects such a lag in processing, it will analyzethe degree of the lag and issue a seek command to the source (throughthe source processing chain) to a future point in the project, whereprocessing continues without processing any further content prior to theseeked point.

Thus, for the editing project depicted in FIG. 10, the processingdescribed above first builds a data structure (i.e. data structure 1200in FIG. 12) that represents the project in hierarchical space, and thenuses this data structure to define or create another data structure thatcan be utilized to program the matrix switch.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram that describes steps in a method in accordancewith the described embodiment. The method can be implemented in anysuitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. In theillustrated and described embodiment, the method is implemented insoftware.

Step 1900 provides a matrix switch. An exemplary matrix switch isdescribed above. Step 1902 defines a first data structure thatrepresents the editing project. Any suitable data structure can be used,as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. In the illustrated anddescribed embodiment, the data structure comprises a hierarchical treestructure having nodes that can represent tracks (having one or moresources), composites, transitions and effects. Step 1904 processes thefirst data structure to provide a second data structure that isconfigured to program the matrix switch. Any suitable data structure canbe utilized to implement the second data structure. In the illustratedand described embodiment, a grid structure is utilized. Exemplaryprocessing techniques for processing the first data structure to providethe second data structure are described above. Step 1906 then uses thesecond data structure to program the matrix switch.

Example Project with a Transition and an Effect

Consider project 2000 depicted in FIG. 20. In this project there arethree tracks, each of which contains a source, i.e. source A, B and C.This project includes an effect applied on source B and a transitionbetween sources B and C. The times are indicated as shown.

As the user creates their project, a data structure representing theproject is built. FIG. 21 shows an exemplary data structure in the formof a hierarchical tree 2100 that represents project 2000. There, thedata structure includes three tracks, each of which contains one of thesources. The sources are arranged in the tree structure in the order oftheir priority, starting with the lowest priority source on the left andproceeding to the right. There is an effect (i.e. “Fx”) that is attachedto or otherwise associated with source B. Additionally, there is atransition attached to or otherwise associated with source C.

In building the grid for project 2000, the following rule is employedfor effects. An effect, in this example, is a one-input/one-outputobject that is applied to one object—in this case source B. When theeffect is inserted into the grid, it looks for any one object beneath itin priority that has a desire to be routed to the primary output of thematrix switch at the same time. When it finds a suitable object, itredirects that object's output from the matrix switch's primary outputto an output associated with the effect.

As an example, consider FIG. 22 and the grid 2200. At this point in theprocessing of tree 2100, the rendering engine has incorporated entriesin the grid corresponding to sources A, B and the effect. It has done soby traversing the tree 2100 in the above-described way. In this example,the effect has already looked for an object beneath it in priority thatis competing for the primary output of the matrix switch. It found anentry for source B and then redirected B's grid entry to a matrix switchoutput pin that corresponds to the effect—here output pin 1.

As the render engine 222 completes its traversal of tree 2100, itcompletes the grid. FIG. 23 shows a completed grid 2200. Processing ofthe grid after that which is indicated in FIG. 22 takes placesubstantially as described above with respect to the first example.Summarizing, this processing though: after the effect is entered intothe grid and processed as described above, the traversal of tree 2100next encounters the node associated with source C. Thus, a row is addedin the grid for source C and an entry is made to indicate that source Cdesires the output from t=12-16. Next, the tree traversal encounters thenode associated with the transition. Accordingly, a row is added to thegrid for the transition and a grid entry is made to indicate that thetransition desires the output from t=12-14. Now, as described above, thegrid is examined to find two entries, lower in priority than thetransition and located at the same tree level as the transition, thatcompete for the primary output of the matrix switch. Here, those entriescorrespond to the grid entries for the effect and source C that occurfrom t=12-14. These grid entries are thus redirected to output pins ofthe matrix switch 308 that correspond to the transition—here pins 2 and3 as indicated. Next, the grid is pruned which, in this example, removesa portion of the grid entry corresponding to source A for t=4-8 becauseof a conflict with the higher-priority entry for source B.

FIG. 24 shows the resultant matrix switch that has been built andconfigured as the grid was being processed above. At this point, thegrid can be used to program the matrix switch. From the grid picture, itis very easy to see how the matrix switch 308 is going to be programmed.Source A will be routed to the matrix switch's primary output (pin 0)from t=0-4; source B will be redirected to output pin 1 (effect) fromt=4-14 and the effect on B will be routed to the output pin 0 fromt=4-12. From t=12-14, the effect and source C will be routed to outputpins corresponding to the transition (pins 2 and 3) and, accordingly,during this time the transition (input pin 4) will be routed to theprimary output (output pin 0) of the matrix switch. From t=14-16, sourceC will be routed to the primary output of the matrix switch.

It will be appreciated that as the software, in this case the renderengine 222, traverses the tree structure that represents a project, italso builds the appropriate graphs and adds the appropriate filters andgraphs to the matrix switch. Thus, for example, as the render engine 222encounters a tree node associated with source A, in addition to addingan entry to the appropriate grid, the software builds the appropriategraphs (i.e. collection of linked filters), and associates those filterswith an input of the matrix switch. Similarly, when the render engine222 encounters an effect node in the tree, the software obtains aneffect object or filter and associates it with the appropriate output ofthe matrix switch. Thus, in the above examples, traversal of the treestructure representing the project also enables the software toconstruct the appropriate graphs and obtain the appropriate objects andassociate those items with the appropriate inputs/outputs of the matrixswitch 308. Upon completion of the tree traversal and processing of thegrid, an appropriate matrix switch has been constructed, and theprogramming (i.e. timing) of inputs to outputs for the matrix switch hasbeen completed.

Treatment of “Blanks” in a Project

There may be instances in a project when a user leaves a blank in theproject time line. During this blank period, no video or audio isscheduled for play.

FIG. 25 shows a project that has such a blank incorporated therein. Ifthere is such a blank left in a project, the software is configured toobtain a “black” source and associate the source with the matrix switchat the appropriate input pin. The grid is then configured when it isbuilt to route the black source to the output at the appropriate timesand fade from the black (and silent) source to the next source at theappropriate times. The black source can also be used if there is atransition placed on a source for which there is no additional sourcefrom which to transition.

Audio Mixing

In the examples discussed above, sources comprising video streams werediscussed. In those examples, at any one time, only two video streamswere combined into one video stream. However, each project can, andusually does contain an audio component. Alternately, a project cancontain only an audio component. The audio component can typicallycomprise a number of different audio streams that are combined. Thediscussion below sets forth but one way of processing and combiningaudio streams.

In the illustrated example, there is no limit on the number of audiostreams that can be combined at any one time.

Suppose, for example, there is an audio project that comprises 5 tracks,A-E. FIG. 26 shows an exemplary project. The shaded portions of eachtrack represent the time during which the track is not playing. So, forexample, at t=0-4, tracks B, D, and E are mixed together and will play.From t=4-10, tracks A-E are mixed together and will play, and the like.

FIG. 27 shows the grid for this project at 2700. Since we are dealingwith this composition now, all of the effects and transitions includingthe audio mixing are only allowed to affect things in this composition.Thus, there is the concept of a boundary 2702 that prevents any actionsor operations in this composition from affecting any other grid entries.Note that there are other entries in the grid and that thepresently-illustrated entries represent only those portions of theproject that relate to the audio mixing function.

Grid 2700 is essentially set up in a manner similar to that describedabove with respect to the video projects. That is, for each track, a rowis added to the grid and a grid entry is made for the time period duringwhich the source on that track desires to be routed to the primaryoutput of the matrix switch. In the present example, grid entries aremade for sources A-E. Next, in the same way that a transition or effectwas allocated a row in the grid, a “mix” element is allocated a row inthe grid as shown and a grid entry is made to indicate that the mixelement desires to be routed to the primary output of the matrix switchfor a period of time during which two or more sources compete for thematrix switch's primary output. Note that in this embodiment, allocationof a grid row for the mix element can be implied. Specifically, whereasin the case of a video project, overlapping sources simply result inplaying the higher priority source (unless the user defines a transitionbetween them), in the audio realm, overlapping sources are treated as animplicit request to mix them. Thus, the mix element is allocated a gridrow any time there are two or more overlapping sources.

Once the mix element is allocated into the grid, the grid is processedto redirect any conflicting source entries to matrix switch output pinsthat correspond to the mix element. In the above case, redirection ofthe grid entries starts with pin 3 and proceeds through to pin 7. Thecorresponding matrix switch is shown in FIG. 28. Notice that all of thesources are now redirected through the mix element which is amulti-input/one output element. The mix element's output is fed backaround and becomes input pin 15 of the matrix switch. All of theprogramming of the matrix switch is now reflected in the grid 2700.Specifically, for the indicated time period in the grid, each of thesources is routed to the mix element which, in turn, mixes theappropriate audio streams and presents them to the primary output pin 0of the matrix switch.

Compositions

There are situations that can arise when building an editing projectwhere it would be desirable to apply an effect or a transition on just asubset of a particular project or track. Yet, there is no practicableway to incorporate the desired effect or transition. In the past,attempts to provide added flexibility for editing projects have beenmade in the form of so called “bounce tracks”, as will be appreciatedand understood by those of skill in the art. The use of bounce tracksessentially involves processing various video layers (i.e. tracks),writing or moving the processed layers or tracks to another location,and retrieving the processed layers when later needed for additionalprocessing with other layers or tracks. This type of processing can beslow and inefficient.

To provide added flexibility and efficiency for multi-media editingprojects, the notion of a composite or composition is introduced. Acomposite or composition can be considered as a representation of anediting project as a single track. Recall that editing projects can haveone or more tracks, and each track can be associated with one or moresources that can have effects applied on them or transitions betweenthem. In addition, compositions can be nested inside one another.

Example Project with Composite

Consider, for example, FIG. 29 which illustrates an exemplary project2900 having a composition 2902. In this example, composition 2902comprises sources B and C and a transition between B and C that occursbetween t=12-14. This composition is treated as an individual track orlayer. Project 2900 also includes a source A, and a transition betweensource A and composition 2902 at t=4-8. It will be appreciated thatcompositions can be much more complicated than the illustratedcomposition, which is provided for exemplary purposes only. Compositionsare useful because they allow the grouping of a particular set ofoperations on one or more tracks. The operation set is performed on thegrouping, and does not affect tracks that are not within the grouping.To draw an analogy, a composition is similar in principle to amathematical parenthesis. Those operations that appear within theparenthesis are carried out in conjunction with those operations thatare intended to operate of the subject matter of the parenthesis. Theoperations within the parenthesis do not affect tracks that do notappear within the parenthesis.

In accordance with the processing that is described above in connectionwith FIG. 19, a first data structure is defined that represents theediting project. FIG. 30 shows an exemplary data structure 3000 in theform of a hierarchical tree structure. In this example, group node 3002includes two children—track node 3004 and composite node 3006. Tracknode 3004 is associated with source A. Composite node 3006 includes twochildren—track nodes 3008 and 3010 that are respectively associated withsources B (3008 a) and C (3010 a). A transition T2 (3012) is applied onsource C and a transition T1 (3014) is applied on composition 3006.

Next, data structure 3000 is processed to provide a second datastructure that is configured to program the matrix switch. Note that asthe data structure is being programmed, a matrix switch is being builtand configured at the same time. In this example, the second datastructure comprises a grid structure that is assembled in much the sameway as was described above. There are, however, some differences and,for purposes of understanding, the complete evolution of the gridstructure is described here. In the discussion that follows, thecompleted matrix switch is shown in FIG. 38.

When the rendering engine initiates the depth-first, left-to-righttraversal of data structure 3000, the first node it encounters is tracknode 3004 which is associated with source A. Thus, a first row of thegrid is defined and a grid entry is made that represents the time periodfor which source A desires to be routed to the matrix switch's primaryoutput pin.

FIG. 31 shows the state of a grid 3100 after this first processing step.Next the traversal of data structure 3000 encounters the composite node3006. The composite node is associated with two tracks—track 3008 andtrack 3010. Track 3008 is associated with source B. Accordingly, asecond row of the grid is defined and a grid entry is made thatrepresents the time period for which source B desires to be routed tothe matrix switch's primary output pin. Additionally, since B is amember of a composition, meta-information is contained in the grid thatindicates that this grid row defines one boundary of the composition.This meta-information is graphically depicted with a bracket thatappears to the left of the grid row.

FIG. 32 shows the state of grid 3100 after this processing step. Next,the traversal of data structure 3000 encounters node 3010 which isassociated with source C. Thus, a third row of the grid is added and agrid entry is made that represents the time period for which source Cdesires to be routed to the matrix switch's primary output pin.

FIG. 33 shows the state of grid 3100 after this processing step. Noticethat the bracket designating the composition now encompasses the gridrow associated with source C. The traversal next encounters node 3012which is the node associated with the second transition T2. Thus, as inthe above example, a grid row is added for the transition and a gridentry is made that represents the time period for which the transitiondesires to be routed to the matrix switch's primary output pin.

FIG. 34 shows the state of grid 3100 after this processing step. Noticethat the bracket designating the composition is now completed andencompasses grid row entries that correspond to sources B and C and thetransition between them. Recall from the examples above that atransition, in this example, is programmed to operate on two inputs andprovide a single output. In this instance, and because the transitionoccurs within a composition, the transition is constrained by a rulethat does not allow it to operate on any elements outside of thecomposition. Thus, starting at the transition entry and working backwardthrough the grid, entries at the same tree level and within thecomposition (as designated by the bracket) are examined to ascertainwhether they contain entries that indicate that they want to be routedto the output during the same time that the transition is to be routedto the output. Here, both of the entries for sources B and C haveportions that conflict with the transition's entry. Accordingly, thoseportions of the grid entries for sources B and C are redirected orchanged to correspond to output pins that are associated with atransition element that corresponds to transition T2.

FIG. 35 shows the state of grid 3100 after this processing step. Thetraversal next encounters node 3014 which is the node that is associatedwith the transition that occurs between source A and composition 2902(FIG. 29). Processing of this transition is similar to processing of thetransition immediately above except for the fact that the transitiondoes not occur within the composition. Because the transition occursbetween the composition and another source, one of the inputs for thetransition will be the composition, and one of the inputs will be sourceA (which is outside of the composition). Thus, a grid row is added forthis transition and a grid entry is made that represents the time periodfor which the transition desires to be routed to the matrix switch'sprimary output pin.

FIG. 36 shows the state of grid 3100 after this processing step. At thispoint then, the grid is examined for entries that conflict with theentry for transition T1. One conflicting grid entry is found for the rowthat corresponds to source B (inside the composition) and one thatcorresponds to source A (outside the composition). Accordingly, thoseportions of the grid row that conflict with transition T1 are changed orredirected to have values that are associated with output pins of thematrix switch that are themselves associated with a transition elementT1. In this example, redirection causes an entry of “3” and “4” to beinserted as shown.

FIG. 37 shows the state of grid 3100 after this processing step. Ifnecessary, a pruning operation would further ensure that the grid has nocompeting entries for the primary output of the matrix switch. Theassociated input pin numbers of the matrix switch are shown to the leftof grid 3100.

FIG. 38 shows a suitably configured matrix switch that has been build inaccordance with the processing described above. Recall that, as datastructure 3000 (FIG. 30) is processed by the rendering engine, a matrixswitch is built and configured in parallel with the building andprocessing of the grid structure that is utilized to program the matrixswitch. From the matrix switch and grid 3100 of FIG. 37, the programmingof the switch can be easily ascertained.

FIG. 38 a shows an exemplary data structure that represents a projectthat illustrates the usefulness of composites. In this example, theproject can mathematically be represented as follows:(Fx-noisy(A Tx-Blend B))Tx-Blend C

Here, an effect (noisy) is applied to A blended with B, the result ofwhich is applied to a blend with C. The composite in this example allowsthe grouping of the things beneath it so that the effect (noisy), whenit is applied, is applied to everything that is beneath it. Notice thatwithout the composite node, there is no node where an effect can beapplied that will affect (A Tx-Blend B). Hence, in this example,operations that appear within the parenthesis are carried out on tracksthat appear within the parenthesis. Those operations do not affecttracks that are not within the parenthesis.

FIG. 39 is a flow diagram that described steps in a method in accordancewith one embodiment. The method can be implemented in any suitablehardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. In thepresently-described example, the method is implemented in software.

Step 3900 defines a multimedia editing project that includes at leastone composite. The composite represents multiple tracks as a singletrack for purposes of the processing described just below. It isimportant to note that, in the processing described just below, andbecause of the use of composites, the extra processing that is requiredby bounce tracks is avoided (i.e. operating on two tracks, moving theoperation result to another location, and retrieving the operationresult when later needed). This reduces the processing time that isrequired to render a multi-media project. Step 3902 defines a first datastructure that represents the editing project. Any suitable datastructure can be utilized. In the present example, a data structure inthe form of a hierarchical tree is utilized. An exemplary tree is shownin FIG. 30. Step 3904 processes the first data structure to provide asecond data structure that is configured to program a matrix switch. Inthe illustrated example, the second data structure comprises a gridstructure. Exemplary processing is described in the context of FIGS.30-37. Step 3906 then programs the matrix switch using the second datastructure.

Implementing Dynamic Properties on Objects that Only Support StaticProperties

Computer-implemented objects typically have properties associated withthem. Many different types of properties can be associated with suchobjects. For example, consider a computer-implemented object in the formof a ball. The ball can have various properties such as color, directionof movement, speed, etc. These properties typically have valuesassociated with them. For example, for the property “color”, propertyvalues might include blue, orange, red, and yellow. For the property“direction”, property values might include x-direction, y-direction, andz-direction.

Many objects have so-called static properties whose values can only beset at a current time. In essence, these types of objects have to benotified to change their property values currently. These types ofobjects are not pre-programmable to change their property values at somepoint in the future. Dynamic properties are properties whose values canchange at certain times. An object such as a ball that supports dynamicproperties can, for example, be pre-programmed to change its color,direction, speed, and the like, dynamically at any time in the future.That is, such objects can be preprogrammed to change their propertyvalues.

It would be desirable to be able to impart to objects that support onlystatic properties characteristics such that they behave like theysupport dynamic properties. That is, it would be desirable to be able topre-program objects that support only static properties.

FIG. 40 is a block diagram of a system that can be utilized, inaccordance with the described embodiment, to impart to objects thatsupport only static properties, characteristics that enable them tobehave in a way that appears as if they support dynamic properties.

In the illustrated example, an object 4000 is provided and constitutesany object that can support only static properties. Accordingly, a setof static properties 4002 is shown. It will be appreciated that anysuitable number of objects such as object 4000 can be provided. Inaddition, any number and/or type of suitable static properties can besupported by the object. For purposes of this example, however, assumethat object 4000 represents a ball and that the ball has properties thatinclude color, directions of movement and speed.

A helper object 4004 is provided and is used in connection with object4000 to, in a sense, imitate or simulate dynamic properties. The resultof the interaction of the helper object 4004 and object 4000 (which doesnot support dynamic properties) is an object 4000 that appears as if itsupports dynamic properties. In functioning to “imitate” dynamicproperties, helper object 4004 can keep track of the time, variousproperty value changes that are to be made on object 4000, and the timeat which the property value changes are to be made. Helper object 4004then notifies object 4000 at the appointed time, so that the propertyvalue can be changed.

Thus, in the described embodiment, an object that does not supportdynamic properties is made to appear as if it supports dynamicproperties through the use of and interaction with a helper object. Thehelper object can maintain various property data that it then uses toeffect a property value change on its associated object. The propertydata can include, without limitation, the time when the change is totake effect, type of property value change, and how to effect thechange. In this manner, property values and changes in those values canbe pre-programmed.

In the illustrated and described embodiment, helper object 4004 makesuse of data structures that assist it in its job. For each propertywhose values are to be changed, a set of structures is defined. Eachstructure comprises entries for time (i.e. the time that a propertyvalue change is to take place), a variant for the value of the property,and an entry for how the change is to take place (e.g. immediately, orin some interpolated fashion). Thus, in the FIG. 40 example, structurearray 4006 includes four sets of structures designated set 1, set 2, set3, and set 4. Each set is associated with a different property whosevalue can be changed on an object that supports only static properties.For example, one set each of structures might be associated with anobject's speed, color, and x/y direction of movement.

Consider the following example where object 4000 comprises a ball.Consider that, for the ball, we want the helper object to cause the ballto be red at time 0, change immediately to blue at time 2, and blendinto yellow at time 4. An exemplary data structure that can enable thisto be done is shown in FIG. 40. In this example, the data structure “(0,Red, Jump)” indicates that at time 0, the ball is to immediately (i.e.“jump to”) be red; the structure “(2, Blue, Jump)” indicates that attime 2, the ball is to immediately be blue; and the structure “(4,Yellow, Interpolate)” indicates that at time 4, the ball is to change ina linear fashion (i.e. interpolate) into yellow from blue.

The helper object 4004 is programmed (or pre-programmed) with thevarious data structures that define the desired properties, their valuechanges, and the time and manner in which the value change is to takeplace. The helper object keeps track of the time, by for example, beingcalled or otherwise notified of the time. At the appropriate times, thehelper object, using the array of structures, calls the object whoseproperty values are desired to be changed so that the property valuescan be changed. In the present example, at time 0, the helper objectcalls object 4000 or a property object on the object itself, and causesthe property value for the color property to be set to “red”. At time 2,the helper object 4004 calls the object 4000 and causes the propertyvalue for the color property to be set to “blue”. At time 4, the helperobject calls the object 4000 and causes the property value for the colorproperty to interpolate from its previous value (i.e. blue) to thepresent value, i.e. yellow.

Thus, object 4000 appears as if it supports dynamic properties when, infact, it only supports static properties.

As another example, consider FIG. 41. In this example a ball 4100 hasdirectional properties that allows it to move within a coordinate systemin both the x and y directions. The ball constitutes an object thatsupports only static properties, i.e. it cannot be pre-programmed formovement in the future. The coordinates range from 0-200 in both the xand y directions as shown. Each property (movement in the y-directionand movement in the x-direction) is associated with a set of datastructures as indicated generally at 4102. In the present example, attime 0, the ball is located at x=0, y=100; at time 2, the ball jumps tox=100 and maintains its y position at 100. At time 4, the ball'sposition is interpolated (linearly) from x=100 to x=200, and from y=100to y=200.

FIG. 42 is a flow diagram that describes steps in a method in accordancewith the described embodiment. The method can be implemented in anysuitable hardware, software, firmware or combination thereof. In theillustrated example, certain steps are implemented in software. Theillustrated method can relieve a top level application from the burdenof having to set object properties over and over again by keeping athread running. The top level application relies on the helper object toknow all of the properties that need to be changed or set and the timeat which to change or set the properties. The helper object will then dothe work involved with changing or setting the properties. This includeshaving a thread running and continuously setting or changing theproperties as instructed by the application. In performing its job, thehelper object can access a clock that the application is using so thatit knows what time it is so that it can, accordingly, set or change theright property.

Step 4200 provides one or more objects that support only staticproperties. These objects can be provided by an application executing ona suitable computer processor. Step 4202 provides at least oneprogrammable helper object. The helper object can be provided by theapplication program. The helper object is desirably configured to beused to effect property value changes on the objects that support onlystatic properties. Step 4204 programs the helper object with propertydata that is to be used by the helper object to effect one or moreproperty value changes on one or more of the objects that support onlystatic properties. This step can be implemented by an applicationprogram accepting input from a user that defines the property data.Specific examples of property data are given above and can include,without limitation, time when the property value change is to takeeffect, type of property value change, and how to effect the propertyvalue change. The property data can be organized in any suitable way.For example, in the discussion above, an array of data structures isused to hold the property data. Each structure array has one or moresets of data structures, and each set of data structures is associatedwith a property that is to be changed. It is to be appreciated, however,that any suitable method, structure, or technique of effecting theproperty changes can be used. Step 4206 then calls, with the helperobject(s), one or more of the objects that support only staticproperties to effect the property value change on the object(s). In theillustrated and described embodiment, the helper object is called withthe current time so that it knows when to call the objects whoseproperty values it desires to change.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

The inventive helper object can be used in many contexts where it isdesirable to impart to objects that support only static properties,characteristics or behavior that appears dynamic in nature. The helperobject can relieve the human programmer of a great burden which, in thepast, has required programmers to specifically provide the software code(including timing) to implement all of the property value changes. Oneparticularly useful context for application of the above-describedtechniques is in the area of multi-media and, in particular, the editingof multi-media projects.

FIG. 43 shows a matrix switch 4300 that has been built as describedabove and, as shown, is configured to effect a transition between twomulti-media streams. To perform that task, a transition object 4302 isprovided. The transition object is shown to include a helper object 4304having a structure array, and an object 4306 that supports only staticproperties. Object 4306 is the actual transform that performs thedesired transition and, in this example, is implemented as a DirectXtransform, although any suitable transform can be used.

In this example, transition object 4302 has a property called “percentcomplete” and represents how complete the transition is for a givenproject time. There are different percentages (i.e. values) ofcompletion that vary as the project time progresses. For example, attime 1, the transition may be 1% complete, at time 2 the transition maybe 3% complete and the like. Object 4306 supports only static propertiesand, hence, is called by the helper object 4304 during the course of atransition and told, by the helper object, to render a transition at aparticular percentage of completion. The helper object 4304 isprogrammed by data that is received from one or more of the matrixswitch, the grid and filter graphs that are assembled to complete theproject. This information is in a form that is not understood by theobject 4306 that performs the actual transition. Accordingly, the helperobject 4304 acts as an intermediary in that it receives programminginformation that describes when, how, and what properties and values areto be changed. The helper object then translates this programminginformation into instructions that are specific to and understood byobject 4306 that performs the actual transition.

Accordingly, in this example, helper object 4304 defines an intermediatelevel that provides the ability to simulate pre-programmed dynamicproperties on an object (i.e. object 4306) that otherwise does not havethe capability to have dynamic properties.

CONCLUSION

The described embodiments can be used to provide improvements overprevious multi-media editing systems. Various efficiencies are achievedthat reduce the processing times and can thereby improve the userexperience when using multi-media project editing software applications.

Although the invention has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological steps, it is to be understoodthat the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarilylimited to the specific features or steps described. Rather, thespecific features and steps are disclosed as preferred forms ofimplementing the claimed invention.

1. A multi-media project editing architecture comprising: asoftware-implemented matrix switch having multiple input pins andmultiple output pins, the multiple input pins being routable to themultiple output pins, the switch being configured to provide a datastream that represents a multi-media project; a data structureassociated with the matrix switch and configured for use in programmingthe matrix switch to provide a routing scheme for routing input pins tooutput pins; one or more first objects associated with the matrixswitch, the one or more first objects supporting only static propertiesassociated with rendering of a multi-media project; one or more secondobjects associated with the one or more first objects and configured tocall the one or more first objects to effect one or more property valuechanges on the one or more first objects in a manner that makes the oneor more first objects appear as if they support dynamic properties. 2.The multi-media project editing architecture of claim 1 furthercomprising one or more data structures associated with the one or moresecond objects, individual data structures containing data that is to beused by the one or more second objects to effect a property valuechange.
 3. The multi-media project editing architecture of claim 2,wherein the one or more data structures comprise an array of one or moresets of data structures, each set of data structures being associatedwith a property whose values is to be changed and containing propertydata that is to be used to change property values.
 4. The multi-mediaproject editing architecture of claim 3, wherein the property datacomprises a property value of a property that is to be changed.
 5. Themulti-media project editing architecture of claim 3, wherein theproperty data comprises a time at which a property value is to bechanged.
 6. The multi-media project editing architecture of claim 3,wherein the property data comprises how a property value is to bechanged.
 7. The multi-media project editing architecture of claim 3,wherein the property data comprises a property value of a property thatis to be changed, a time at which a property value is to be changed, andhow a property value is to be changed.
 8. A multi-media systemcomprising: an application program configured to enable a user to definea multi-media project in which multiple digital source streams can becombined; a software-implemented matrix switch having multiple inputpins and multiple output pins, the input pins being individuallyassociated with inputs that can compete, during a common time period,for a particular output pin that is associated with the matrix switch,the switch being configured to receive, at its input pins, digitalsource streams; a first data structure associated with the matrix switchand configured for use in programming the matrix switch to provide arouting scheme for routing input pins to output pins such that at anygiven time, only one input pin is routed to the particular output pin; asecond data structure associated with and different from the first datastructure, the second data structure representing a user-definedmulti-media project and being configured so that the first datastructure can be derived therefrom; one or more first objects associatedwith the matrix switch, the one or more first objects supporting onlystatic properties associated with rendering of a multi-media project;and one or more second objects associated with the one or more firstobjects and configured to call the one or more first objects to effectone or more property value changes on the one or more first objects in amanner that makes the one or more first objects appear as if theysupport dynamic properties.
 9. The multi-media system of claim 8 furthercomprising one or more data structures associated with the programmableobject(s), individual data structures containing data that is to be usedby the programmable object(s) to effect a property value change.
 10. Themulti-media system of claim 9, wherein the one or more data structurescomprise an array of one or more sets of data structures, each set ofdata structures being associated with a property value that is to bechanged and containing property data that is to be used to change thatproperty value.
 11. The multi-media system of claim 9, wherein the oneor more data structures comprise an array of one or more sets of datastructures, each set of data structures being associated with a propertywhose value is to be changed and containing property data that is to beused to change that property value, the property data comprising: aproperty value that is to be changed, a time at which the property valueis to be changed, and a manner in which the property value is to bechanged.
 12. A method of providing a multi-media project editingarchitecture comprising: providing a software-implemented matrix switchhaving multiple input pins and multiple output pins, the multiple inputpins being routable to the multiple output pins, the switch beingconfigured to provide a data stream that represents a multi-mediaproject; providing a data structure associated with the matrix switchand configured for use in programming the matrix switch to provide arouting scheme for routing input pins to output pins; providing one ormore first objects associated with the matrix switch, the one or morefirst objects supporting only static properties associated withrendering of a multi-media project; and providing one or more secondobjects associated with the one or more first objects and configured tocall the one or more first objects to effect one or more property valuechanges on the one or more first objects in a manner that makes the oneor more first objects appear as if they support dynamic properties. 13.The method of claim 12, further comprising providing one or more datastructures associated with the one or more second objects, individualdata structures containing data that is to be used by the one or moresecond objects to effect a property value change.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the providing of the one or more data structurescomprise providing an array of one or more sets of data structures, eachset of data structures being associated with a property whose values isto be changed and containing property data that is to be used to changeproperty values.
 15. The method of 14, wherein the property datacomprises a property value of a property that is to be changed.
 16. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the property data comprises a time at whicha property value is to be changed.
 17. The method of claim 14, whereinthe property data comprises how a property value is to be changed. 18.The method of claim 14, wherein the property data comprises a propertyvalue of a property that is to be changed, a time at which a propertyvalue is to be changed, and how a property value is to be changed.
 19. Amethod of providing a multi-media system comprising: providing anapplication program configured to enable a user to define a multi-mediaproject in which multiple digital source streams can be combined;providing a software-implemented matrix switch having multiple inputpins and multiple output pins, the input pins being individuallyassociated with inputs that can compete, during a common time period,for a particular output pin that is associated with the matrix switch,the switch being configured to receive, at its input pins, digitalsource streams; providing a first data structure associated with thematrix switch and configured for use in programming the matrix switch toprovide a routing scheme for routing input pins to output pins such thatat any given time, only one input pin is routed to the particular outputpin; providing a second data structure associated with and differentfrom the first data structure, the second data structure representing auser-defined multi-media project and being configured so that the firstdata structure can be derived therefrom; providing one or more firstobjects associated with the matrix switch, the one or more first objectssupporting only static properties associated with rendering of amulti-media project; and providing one or more second objects associatedwith the one or more first objects and configured to call the one ormore first objects to effect one or more property value changes on theone or more first objects in a manner that makes the one or more firstobjects appear as if they support dynamic properties.
 20. The method ofclaim 19 further comprising providing one or more data structuresassociated with the programmable object(s), individual data structurescontaining data that is to be used by the programmable object(s) toeffect a property value change.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein theproviding one or more data structures comprises providing an array ofone or more sets of data structures, each set of data structures beingassociated with a property value that is to be changed and containingproperty data that is to be used to change that property value.
 22. Themethod of claim 20, wherein the providing one or more data structurescomprises providing an array of one or more sets of data structures,each set of data structures being associated with a property whose valueis to be changed and containing property data that is to be used tochange that property value, the property data comprising: a propertyvalue that is to be changed, a time at which the property value is to bechanged, and a manner in which the property value is to be changed.